Outstanding International Alumnus Award Past Recipients

2010
Khalid A. Al-Falih
Saudi Arabia

Khalid A. Al-Falih, leader of the world’s largest petroleum company, has been selected as the recipient of the 2010 Texas A&M University Outstanding International Alumnus Award, to be presented March 10 at the Clayton W. Williams, Jr., Alumni Center at Texas A&M.

Texas A&M Interim President R. Bowen Loftin said the selection of Al-Falih for one of the university’s most prestigious awards serves as recognition of the contributions of the tens of thousands of international former students around the world who represent Texas A&M so well and as an inspiration for the more than 4,500 international students currently enrolled.

“Mr. Al-Falih is a great example of what is possible with a Texas A&M degree for all of our students, and especially our international students,” Loftin said. “Both his commitment and loyalty to Texas A&M are remarkable. We appreciate all that he has done for this university and for his ongoing legacy on behalf of our current and former students, as well as future generations of Aggies.”

Al-Falih graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1982. His professional path has led to his current position as president and CEO of Saudi Aramco, where he oversees the company’s management of the world’s largest proven conventional oil reserves and the fourth-largest gas reserves. Al-Falih’s road to leadership began as an Aramco-sponsored student at Texas A&M and resulted in a three-decade immersion in every operational arena of the company that sponsored him.

“Texas A&M has a long history of partnership with Saudi Aramco, including knowledge transfer between faculty and employees, sponsored graduate students, programmatic and scholarship contributions and joint research, not to mention the number of graduates that have been employed by the company,” said Karan Watson, interim provost and executive vice president for academics. “It is fitting that we now recognize one of our Aggie engineers who is key to this partnership and who embodies the global reach and quality of the academic experience at Texas A&M."

Recently, Saudi Aramco was asked by the custodian of the two holy mosques, King Abdullah ibn Abdulaziz, to develop the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). For his leadership in this undertaking, Al-Falih was decorated with the “King Abdulaziz Order of Excellent Class” at the opening of the university in 2009. Texas A&M University is one of four international institutions selected to collaborate with KAUST in developing solutions to global and domestic technological challenges. The Institute for Applied Mathematics and Computational Science (IAMCS) will stimulate collaborative research and graduate education between Texas A&M and KAUST where Al-Falih serves as a trustee. Al-Falih also serves on a number of other boards and councils of educational institutions within the kingdom.

“Mr. Al-Falih is a wonderful example of an alumnus who remains in contact with his university and college,” said G. Kemble Bennett, Vice Chancellor and dean of the Dwight Look College of Engineering. “We appreciate this quality in Khalid and are grateful for the many ways he has enhanced engineering education at Texas A&M.”

Al-Falih’s commitments at the local and regional levels to support education, professional development, entrepreneurship and empowerment of women in business, as well as philanthropic activities on behalf of the poor and victims of disaster, have been noticed both in the U.S. and abroad. Last year the City of Houston proclaimed May 1 “Khalid Al-Falih Day,” acknowledging him as “an outstanding global citizen with long-standing ties to the City of Houston and the State of Texas.”

Porter Garner, president and chief executive officer of The Association of Former Students, said that since the award’s inception in 1995, the idea has always been to acknowledge that international students are a catalyst for Texas A&M’s global development and continued prosperity.

“Khalid is an outstanding example of the impact that Aggies can have on Texas A&M University and our entire world, regardless of where they reside,” Garner said. “We are fortunate that he is a significant part of our worldwide Aggie Network.”

A loyal Aggie, Al-Falih is quick to note the relevance of his Texas A&M experience to his professional and personal achievements on the global stage.

“My years at Texas A&M not only provided me with a firm technical foundation for my professional career, but also reinforced many of the values which guide me in my life to this day. Integrity and hard work are core to being an Aggie and the value of self-development and lifelong learning are all integral to A&M,” Al-Falih said. “Furthermore, my experiences as a young international student at the university helped to shape my attitudes and perspectives on collaboration and partnership within our global community.”

In addition, Al-Falih generously supports the university’s educational mission through scholarships, chairs and other gifts and grants, including the Harold J. Haynes Dean’s Chair in Engineering.


2008
Narit Paul Jivasantikarn ’71
Thailand

Narit Paul Jivasantikarn ’71 of Lampang, Thailand, graduated from Texas A&M with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. He came to Aggieland for an education, but said he left with much more.

“It’s my passion, the Spirit of Aggieland,” Jivasantikarn said. “I was proud to be a student at Texas A&M.”

Armed with undeniable Aggie Sprit, Jivasantikarn returned to Thailand after graduation to build the first private institution for vocational education in his hometown of Lampang Province. Since then, Lamp Tech College has educated thousands of Thai students, changing their lives and the country forever.

To honor Jivasantikarn’s joint dedication to educational excellence and Texas A&M University, he was awarded the university’s 2008 Outstanding International Alumnus at a College Station ceremony Feb. 27.

Jivasantikarn’s story is extraordinary. Supported by his mother and father, and encouraged by a Peace Corps volunteer, Jivasantikarn left Thailand and enrolledin a junior college in East Texas. While accompanying fellow students on a tour of Texas A&M, he said, it didn’t take long to decide that College Station was where he belonged, and he transferred.

“I was a really gung-ho Aggie,” he said. “I went to every football game in 1967. I enjoyed it. Even when we lost a game, we stood tall.”

He said the memories he has of singing the War Hymn and The Spirit of Aggieland still give him strength in tough situations. “It made me successful,” he said.

Before launching Lamp Tech College 26 years ago, Jivasantikarn spent about 10 years in the Thai business industry working for major corporations and building a construction business. He said he noticed something during that time: not everyone was getting a chance at an education in his hometown.

At that time, the government was only avenue of higher education for technical employment, Jivasantikarn said. The number of students who wanted an education outnumbered the number of seats available. Jivasantikarn thought he could make a difference.

“So I went to the bank,” Jivasantikarn said. Using borrowed money, land donated by his family and Aggie tenacity, he built his the school from the ground up. Lamp Tech College now offers full curriculum in 14 major fields, including electronics, mechanics, accounting, architecture and marketing, gaining a national reputation. Enrollment jumped from 400 the first year to 4,000 today.

In 2000 and 2004, Lamp Tech earned the prestigious King’s Award, a recognition given to institutions that achieve and maintain the highest standards in vocation education.

An accomplished artist, Jivasantikarn designed one of the buildings himself, and a devoted Aggie, he made his school colors maroon and white.

“I have maroon and white everywhere in my school—buildings, flags, frames, offices. Even my office is maroon and white,” he said.

Texas A&M President Dr. Elsa Murano said Jivasantikarn is a wonderful example of the impact Texas A&M has around the world.

“His achievements embody the core values of Texas A&M that are so important to the Aggie family,” she said. “We appreciate all that he has done for his country and for the great example he sets for students and former students.”

To hear Jivasantikarn tell the chain of events, he’s just a regular Aggie. As an Endowed Century Club member, his work within The Association of Former Students improves Texas A&M University. Back home, Jivasantikarn’s hard work, passion and enthusiasm creates a new future for the people of Lampang Province, Thailand.

The Outstanding International Alumnus Award recognizes former students who were not a U.S. citizen while attending Texas A&M University. Established in 1994, this prestigious award recognizes international former students from around the world who have achieved career prominence and continue to be loyal to the mission and goals of Texas A&M University. This award is jointly sponsored by Texas A&M University, the International Programs office and The Association of Former Students.

President Martín Torrijos Espino was born in Panama City in the Republic of Panama on July 18, 1963. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1987 with bachelor’s degrees in political science and economics.

After working in the United States for four years he returned to Panama and began his public service career. He was Vice-Minister of Government and Justice from 1994-1998. During that time he was responsible for all aspects of national security, civil aerial navigation, public transportation, and telecommunications. His effort in the modernization of Panama’s penitentiary system has earned the appreciation of the United Nations.

In 1999 and again in 2002, he was elected as the General Secretary of the Revolutionary Democratic Party, the most powerful political force in Panama, with more than 480,000 members. Also in 2002, he was elected president of the Conference of Political Parties of Latin America and the Caribbean.

On September 1, 2004, Torrijos was sworn in as the President of the Republic of Panama. He has worked diligently to bring reform to the people of Panama, following through on his pledge to bring greater transparency to the government and to combat corruption.

In 2006, the people of Panama approved his proposal to expand the Panama Canal which will increase the potential for commerce and provide jobs for many Panamanians.

In May 2006, President Torrijos participated in the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement for collaborative research between Texas A&M University at Galveston and the International Maritime University of Panama.

Under his leadership, Panama was elected to represent 35 Latin American and Caribbean countries in the United Nations Security Council. Panama received an overwhelming approval with a total of 164 votes out of the 192 member U.S. General Assembly, well over the required 120 votes to win one of the ten permanent seats on the Security Council.

He has remained loyal to Texas A&M University through his dedication to international education, his continued support of the Aggie Club of Panama and has agreed to help in hosting the 2008 Central American Aggie Summit.

He is a great role model for the students of Texas A&M University because of his distinguished public service. He embodies the core values of excellence, leadership, integrity, loyalty, respect and selfless service, so important to Aggie culture.

Pablo Marvin '66, a native of Mexico City, Mexico, is a real estate executive and CEO of Cia. de Inversionistas de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. He graduated from Texas A&M in 1966 with a bachelor of arts in business management.

He has had a long and successful career in Mexico City. He worked at Aceros Nacionales, S.A. in Mexico City as production manager and marketing manager. He later founded Plasticos Precisos, S.A. in Mexico City, a plastic extrusions company, and worked at Deutz, S.A. de C.V. in Mexico City, one of Latin America's largest holding companies at the time. Marvin also founded and operated a chain of restaurants called Los Tocayos, Inc. in Denver, Colorado.

Marvin has been an advisor and friend of Texas A&M University for many years. In 1993, he and his wife, Barbara, donated 5,000 square feet of office space to help establish Texas A&M's University Center in Mexico which is located at the 15th floor of their building situated in Colonia Juarez, a central business area in Mexico City. Most recently, he donated additional space in the building to house the Digital Imaging Diabetes Research Laboratory.

Because of the support from Marvin, the University Center in Mexico serves as headquarters for academic programs, faculty abroad seminars, research collaboration, outreach and continuing education programs, recruitment of students, and other successful programs. The Center assisted the University to: form partnerships with 250 Mexican libraries; support research collaborative programs with Mexico’s National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT); support joint efforts between the Royal Academy of Spain and the Hispanic Studies Department on digitalization of Mexican historical material from 1500; offer food safety certificate programs for government agencies and businesses, among many of its services and programs.

Marvin is a member of Texas A&M International Board, Texas A&M Mexico Center Advisory Board, the Bush School Development Council and Allen Academy’s Board of Trustees.

A strong commitment to education is evidenced by Marvin’s support of Texas A&M and specifically his involvement as a mentor to students in the Academy for Future International Leaders and his role as advisor to the Mexican Student Association. His deep conviction of the importance of education is also shown to his employees in Mexico where he provides educational support through professional development opportunities, purchasing school supplies, offering English language classes, promoting a reading program and others.

Two things stand out about his educational experience at Texas A&M. The first is the realization and commitment to make where you are a better place than when you got there. The second is that no matter what skills you possess, you will eventually have to convince and relate to people through communication. The sense of honesty and discipline instilled in Marvin at Texas A&M made him develop the realization that one must create win-win situations to succeed. The ability to put his education into practice in his business was crucial to its success.

Marvin’s commitment and loyalty to Texas A&M are models for others to follow. He sets a great example for all alumni and current students.

Dr. Chao-Shing Lee, Texas A&M University Class of 1983, is Dean of the College of Science at National Taiwan Ocean University, Science Advisor to the President of Taiwan, President of the Geological Society of Taiwan, an Advisor to Taiwan’s Ministries of Education and Economics, Advisor to the National Science Council and the driving force behind the meteoric rise of Taiwan's marine sciences to world class status.

Chao-Shing earned his Ph.D. in Marine Geophysics from the Department of Oceanography. He stayed on at Texas A&M until 1985 as a Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Department of Geophysics and as a Research Associate of the Geodynamics Research Institute. Dr. Lee's research at TAMU on the tectonic development of the East Asia region contributed lasting knowledge and is routinely cited by current researchers.

From 1985 to 1998, Chao-Shing was a Senior Research Scientist at the Australian Geological Survey Organization. During this time he led the offshore geophysical mapping of Australia's entire continental shelf. This pioneering work, of unprecedented scope, served both industry and academia, providing fundamental geological knowledge of Australia's offshore territory and its hydrocarbon potential. Additionally, Dr. Lee represented the government of Australia in initiating, planning and implementing path breaking cooperative research with Southeast Asian countries and China. The Australian government acknowledged Dr. Lee's substantial contributions to international scientific exchange with distinguished achievement awards in 1991, 1992 and 1993.

Dr. Lee returned to Taiwan in 1998 to become a professor of Marine Geophysics at the National Taiwan Ocean University in Keelung, with a strong desire to contribute to his native country's scientific development and economic future. In 2000, he became the Director of the Institute of Applied Geophysics at the university. Also in 2000, he was selected for Who's Who in Australia and the Pacific for his extensive contributions to the region's marine sciences and resources exploration. He was named Dean of Science at National Taiwan Ocean University in 2002. Today, he is considered Taiwan's leading marine scientist.

Under Dr. Lee's guidance, Taiwan has equipped two new research ships with a full suite of modern research instruments, expanded the study of marine science to several other universities, carried out comprehensive mapping programs around Taiwan, and engaged in major multilateral and bilateral marine research programs with Japan, France, China, and the United States.

Throughout his career Dr. Lee has maintained close ties to Texas A&M University. He led delegations of senior Taiwan scientists to visit Texas A&M in 2001 and again in 2003 to develop research cooperation. He has worked diligently to promote exchanges and cooperative research with the Colleges of Geosciences, Engineering, Agriculture and Life Sciences. Most recently, Dr. Lee was instrumental in helping Texas A&M seek the support of Taiwan's National Science Council and other universities in Taiwan to create Texas A&M's first International Research Experience for Undergraduates, recently funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation. This summer, eight undergraduate students from the United States will be selected to participate in a 10-week summer research experience in biochemistry and genetics at Texas A&M and in Taiwan. One day these students may also exemplify the best in their fields of study – as personified by Texas A&M University's 2005 Outstanding International Alumnus, Dr. Chao-Shing Lee.

Dr. Lee is an active member of the A&M club of Taipei, helping the club to maintain close relations with Texas A&M University and The Association of Former Students.

Alberto Alemán Zubieta received dual Bachelor's degrees in Industrial and Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1973.

Alemán began his professional career in construction and worked in that field for 23 years, becoming CEO of Constructora Urbana, S.A., one of the largest construction companies in the Republic of Panama. From 1996 to 1999, he served as CEO of the former Panama Canal Commission, the federal agency of the U.S. government who was responsible for the administration and operation of the Panama Canal until December 31, 1999.

In 1998, he was appointed Administrator of the Panama Canal Authority, the Panamanian entity tasked with the administration of the waterway upon its transfer to the Republic of Panama on December 31, 1999. For the next two years, he served simultaneously as Administrator of the Panama Canal Commission and the ACP, ensuring that the decisions taken under the Commission would have continuity under the new Canal Authority.

Today he serves as the CEO of the ACP, the autonomous agency that manages the Panama Canal, the leading interoceanic waterway that serves world maritime commerce. He is responsible for achieving maximum efficiency in the administration, operation and maintenance of the Canal. He is fully committed to transforming the Canal into a world leader in services to the maritime industry and global transportation system.

Alemán is the recipient of numerous national and international awards for his achievements and contributions to the world maritime industry. He has kept close ties to Texas A&M University through his active role in the International Programs Board since 1998, has provided internship opportunities for students in the Academy for Future International Leaders program, volunteering his time to the Aggie Club of Panama, and has hosted numerous Texas A&M administrators. Alemán is assisting the Department of Nautical Archeology on a project in Panama to excavate a shipwreck dating back to the 1500s.

He is married to Ann, and they have two children.

Dr. Alberto Mariano Vázquez-DeLaCerda earned Bachelor's degrees in Geography and Naval Mechanical Engineering from the Heroic Naval School in 1966. He received a Master's degree and Doctorate of Philosophy in Oceanography from Texas A&M University in 1975 and 1993, respectively.

Commissioned as an officer of the Mexican Navy, Vázquez received training in remote sensing at NASA in 1968. He began working with Texas A&M's Department of Oceanography aboard the ship Alaminos, collecting physical data for research throughout the Gulf of Mexico. He also conducted research on the reefs of Veracruz using a NASA airplane. He worked aboard the Uribe of the Mexican Navy to carry out the CICAR program, operation GATE, and became Commander of the Oceanographic Ship H-02 conducting research with Texas A&M in both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Ocean. Vázquez served as Chief Scientist on operation FGGE, an equatorial Atlantic experiment, which involved coordination of Soviet, German and Brazilian ships.

Vázquez became the first Director of the Oceanographic Institute in Veracruz for the Mexican Navy and held that office from 1979 to 1986. During that time he was also a professor at the Heroic Naval School and at the Universidad Veracruzana. He carried out operation "FRONTIER" in the western Gulf of Mexico for the Mexican Navy with Texas A&M University and Universida Veracruzana.

Following his promotion to Rear Admiral in 1992 Vázquez became the Mexican Navy's General Director of Oceanography. Two major achievements during this tour of duty are the Marine Park in the Veracruz Coral Reef System, and the Reservation of the Biosphere in the Archipelago of Revillagigedo in the Pacific Ocean.

Presently, Vázquez is a Professor at the Universidad Veracruzana and Scientific Advisor to the Secretary of the Mexican Navy. He is a member of the Advisory Council for the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies based at Texas A&M at Corpus Christi.

He is married to Olga, and they have two children.

President Jorge F. Quiroga Ramirez received a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1981. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from Texas A&M, he worked as a System Engineer for IBM in Austin and earned a MBA degree from St. Edward's University in 1986.

In 1986, Quiroga began working in Bolivia and as the Consultant for the Financial Administration System and Governmental Control. The same year he was promoted to Administrative Director for MINTEC, a mining company. In 1990, he was appointed the Economic Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

In 1992, Quiroga served as the Minister of Finance of Bolivia and as the Governor of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, International Development Bank and Andean Development Corporation. He was Bolivia's youngest Finance Minister at the age of 30. During his time Quiroga also worked as the National Campaign Chief for the National Democratic Action Party and in 1993, he became a Consultant for the Andean Development Corporation. From October 1993 through February 1997, Quiroga served as the Vice President of Projects and Investements for Banco Mencatil S.A. Bolivia. In 1996, he became Deputy Chief for the National Democratic Action Party. Quiroga was elected Vice President of the Republic of Bolivia and President of the National Congress in 1997. At the age of 37, he was the youngest person to hold the title of Vice President in Bolivia's history.

In 1998, Quiroga received the World Leader of Tomorrow Award from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. In August 2001, he became the Constitutional President of the Republic of Bolivia. He is the first Aggie Chief of State.

Quiroga is married to Virginia, and they have two children.

Dr. Keiyu Ueno received a Doctorate of Philosophy in Chemistry from Texas A&M University in 1977.

He has distinguished himself both professionally and through his long-standing commitment to the University. A native of Japan, he served as President of Dojindo Laboratories, a multi-national company that expanded significantly under his presidency. Dojindo Laboratories was founded as a pharmacy in the early part of the century by Ueno's grandfather. Today it manufactures more than 800 products widely used in chemical and biochemical research and industry.

Dr. Ueno achieved recognition in the scholarly arena, serving as Visiting Professor at Kumamoto University and authoring 19 papers in referred journals over the years.

His devotion to Texas A&M has been exhibited through his assistance in the development of the Former Texas A&M Koriyama campus and with his generous donation of an endowed chair to the Department of Chemistry.

Dr. Ueno passed away in early 2004, and is survived by his wife, Miyoko, and three children.

S. Shariq Yosufzai received a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1974. While a student, he served as Vice President of the student body, Chairman Pro Tempore of the Student Senate and was a member of the Corps of Cadets.

He joined Texaco in 1975, and served in a number of positions in Port Arthur, Houston and Atlanta before being named President of Texaco Lubricants Co. North America in 1994.

In 1998, he was appointed Corporate Vice President of Caltex Petroleum Corporation, a joint venture of Texaco and Chevron with operations in more than 60 countries. He was responsible for Africa, as well as for Trading, Aviation and Liquefied Petroleum Gas. Yosufzai was appointed to his current position of President of Caltex Lubricants in 1998, and also continues as a Corporate Vice President.

Yosufzai also was named the 1996 "Person of the Year" by Lubricants World Magazine. He is a 1999 recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award of Texas A&M University.

Dr. Aquino earned a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University in 1970. Dr. Aquino recently began a second four-year term by unanimous acclamation as Director General of the Inter-American Institute of Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), which oversees cooperation in agriculture and sustainable development among its 34 member countries as the agricultural arm of the Organization of American States under the auspices of the United Nations.

Dr. Aquino spent a distinguished career in public service, rising to the post of Secretary of State for Agriculture in the Dominican Republic from 1973 to1975. He then served in a number of positions in the private sector, including General Manager of a multinational fruit production and marketing enterprise, Head of Agricultural Development for Shell Oil Company, and member of the boards of directors of three major banks. He has been Director General of IICA since 1994.

In addition, Dr. Aquino has initiated collaborative research programs between IICA and Texas A&M's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, and has worked with the Office for Latin American Programs to strengthen the University's presence.

Dr. Aquino is married to Margarita.

After earning a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics from the National Taiwan University, Dr. Chih-Kang Wang received a MBA and Doctorate of Philosophy in Marketing from Texas A&M University in 1975 and 1978, respectively.

Wang has held prominent positions both in academia and public service. As a marketing professor at National Taiwan University, he was twice named "Outstanding Teacher of the Year" in a survey by Taiwan's Business Weekly.

Wang joined government service with the Minister of Economic Affairs in 1982 as Executive Secretary of the Investment Commission and later promoted to Director General of the Department of Commerce and Vice Minister. In 1992, he was named Chairman of the Fair Trade Commission, charged with enforcing fair trade laws. In 1996, he was appointed Minister of Economic Affairs. This is a position he continues to hold today.

Dr. Wang is married to Lily Song.

Dr. Jung Uck Seo received his Master's and Doctorate of Philosophy degrees in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1963 and 1969, respectively.

A native of Seoul, he served as Director of the Air Force Ionospheric Research Laboratory in Seoul from 1957 to 1970. In 1970, Seo was a founding member of the Republic of Korea Agency for Defense Development. During the 1970s, he was Director of the Naval Weapons Development Center and was named President of the Agency for Defense Development in 1980.

In 1984, Seo joined Korea Telecommunication Authority and was named Senior Executive Vice President in 1990. Later that year, the President of the Republic of Korea named Seo Vice Minister of Science and Technology. Seo served as Chairman of the Commission for Radio Communications Development in 1993 and became President of Korea Mobile Telecom in 1995.

Dr. Seo is married to Jung Sook, and they have three children, including Hyeon '03.

Dr. Orlando Olcese received his Master's and Doctorate of Philosophy degrees in Biochemistry and Nutrition from Texas A&M University in 1948 and 1950, respectively.

He has held many positions in the Peruvian government in the area of agriculture as well as education. His first position after graduation from Texas A&M was that of Professor in La Molina College of Agriculture. He later became Dean of Agronomy and eventually, Rector of the University. In 1968, the then Governor of Texas, John Connally, granted Olcese honorary citizenship of Texas.

In 1971, Olcese began an illustrious career working with the Development Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. This involvement continued into the 1990s.